Facsimile printer



y 1966 J. .1. STONE ETAL 3,249,089

FAGSIMILE PRINTER Filed June 5, 1965 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 Joseph. James Stone Wallace J. Laban INVENTORS May 3, 1966 J. J. STONE ETAL FACSIMILE PRINTER 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 5 1963 Jose h Jivmes Stone Walfizce J Label? INVENTORS May 3, 1966 J. J. STONE ETAL FACSIMILE PRINTER 9 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed June 5, 1963 Jaseph James Sta/7c Wallace J Laban INVENTORS 00m, Maw/147% May 1966 J. J. STONE ETAL 3,249,089

FACSIMILE PRINTER Filed June 5, 1963 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 Jose 11 James .S'zone Wal ace J Laberz INVENTORS y 1966 J. J. STONE ETAL 3,249,089

FACSIMILE PRINTER Filed June 5, 1963 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 444 lllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllmn a 406 L 4/4 ig x. m FZGO 15 Joseph James Stone Wallace JT Labeil INVENTORS QMZQQ M M dig/5 May 3, 1966 Filed June 5 1963 J. J. STONE ETAL FACSIMILE PRINTER 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 Joseph James Stone Wallace J laben INVENTORS ww zww United States Patent 3,249,089 FACSIMIIJE PRINTER Joseph James Stone, Glenview, and Wallace J. Lahen,

Chicago, Ill., assignors to A. B. Dick Company, Chicago, IIL, a corporation of Illinois Filed .l'une 5, 1963. Ser. No. 285,820 1t) Claims. (Cl. 118637) This invention relates to facsimile systems and pertains particularly to a new and improved facsimile printer.

One object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved facsimile printer having means for producing an electrostatic facsimile image on a web or sheet of paper or the like, together with an improved device for applying a liquid developer composition to the paper so as to render the electrostatic image visible.

A further object is to provide a new and improved printer of the foregoing character in which the developer mechanism comprises an applicator for applying the liquid developer to the paper web or sheet and means for disengaging the applicator device from the paper web when the web is stopped between intervals of facsimile transmission.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved facsimile printer having an improved mechanism for advancing the paper web through the printer and for severing individual sheets from the web.

A further object is to provide a new and improved printer of the foregoing character which is constructed and arranged so that individual sheets may be severed from the web without any need for stopping the forward movement of the web through the printer.

It is a further object to provide a new and improved printer having means for timing the action of the cutting device which severs the individual sheets from the web, so as to allow for the distance which the web travels between the facsimile printing tube or other device and the cutting device.

Another object is to provide a new and improved facsimile printer in which the web is fully threaded and under positive control by nip rollers during all phases of the printing and developing operations.

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will appear from the following description, taken with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a generally schematic side elevational view of a facsimile printer to be described as an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary enlarged elevational view corresponding to the left-hand portion of FIG. 1, various parts being shown in section or broken away.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary elevation of the developer, taken generally as indicated by the line 3-3 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary enlarged cross section, taken generally along the line 4-4 in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary auxiliary view taken generally as indicated by the line 5-5 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary view, taken generally as indicated by the line 66 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary elevation taken generally as indicated by the line 7-7 in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary elevation showing the opposite side of the printer from the side shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary enlarged detail corresponding to the upper right-hand portion of FIG. 8 and showing the main drive clutch.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary view, partly in section, along the line 10-10 in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary view, partly in section, along the line 1Il11 in FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a fragmentary enlarged detail corresponding to the left-hand portion of FIG. 8 and showing the 3,249,989 Patented May 3, 1966 ice timer or memory unit which controls the severing device.

FIG. 13 is a fragmentary plan view, partly in section, along the line 13-13 in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a stretched-out section, taken through various shaft centers, generally along the broken line 1414 in FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary section, taken generally along the broken line 1515 in FIG. 12.

FIG. 16 is a stretched-out diagrammatic elevational section, taken generally as indicated by the line 1616 in FIG. 2.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the electrical control circuit of the printer.

As already indicated, FIG. 1 illustrates the general construction and arrangement of a facsimile printing machine 20 constituting an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. The printer 20 is adapted to reproduce facsimile images on a web 22 of paper or other suitable sheet material, in response to facsimile signals received from a more or less distant transmitting machine or station. The web 22 is pulled from a supply roll 24 by a roller 26, which may be continuously driven whenever the machine is in full operation. The web 22 passes over an idler roller 28 in traveling between the roll 24 and the drive roller 26. In the illustrated arrangement, the Web 22 is wrapped around the roller 26 through an angle somewhat greater than 180 degrees. From the roller 26, the web 22 passes around rollers 30 and 32. The web 22 engages the roller 30 through an angle somewhat greater than 180 degrees. The engagement between the web 22 and the roller 32 is through an angle of about degrees. The rollers 26, 30 and 32 may be referred to as S-lock rollers, inasmuch as the web describes an S- shaped path in passing around the rollers 26 and 30. While all three of the rollers 26, 30 and 32 may be driven, it is preferred to drive only the roller 26, while employing the rollers 30 and 32 as idler guide rollers. The action of the S-lock rollers 26, 30 and 32 is such that the roller 26 pulls the web 22 off the supply roll 24 whenever tension is exerted on the web beyond the roller 32. Thus, if the web is pulled away from the roller 32, the roller 26 pulls the web off the supply roll 24. From the roller 32, the web 22 travels downwardly past an electronic printing tube 34 which produces electrostatic facsimile images on the web 22, in response to incoming facsimile signals. Such electronic printing tubes will be well known to those skilled in the art. Other suitable devices may be employed for producing the electrostatic images on the web 22.

Beyond the printing tube 34, the web 22 passes through a developer mechanism 36 which renders the electrostatic images visible. The illustrated developer mechanism 36 comprises a roller 38. The web 22 passes downwardly from the tube 34, under the roller 38, and then upwardly and around a roller 40, which constitutes the main drive roller. The web 22 is pressed at all times against the roller 40 by a pressure or nip roller 42. The roller 40 is driven whenever it is desired to advance the web 22 past the printing tube 34. The tension exerted on the web 22 by the roller 40 causes the S-lock roller 26 to pull the web off the supply roller 24.

In this case, the developer mechanism 36 also comprises a roller 44 adapted to apply a developer composition to the web as it passes around the roller 38. A supply of the developer composition may be contained in a trough 46, in which the roller 44 is mounted. The roller 44 may be driven at a surfacespeed different from that of the web, so that a wiping action occurs between the roller 44 and the web. The roller 44 may be driven at a surface speed greater or less than that of the web, or in a direction oppoite to the direction of movement of the web.

It is preferred to employ a developer composition comprising a volatile electrically insulating liquid in which finely divided solid material is suspended. Suitable developer compositions are disposed and claimed in the copending application of Panagiotis J. Metropoulos et al., Serial No. 205,690, filed June 27, 1962, now abandoned. When the developer composition is applied to the web 22, the finely divided solid material adheres to the electrostatic images on the web, due to the electrostatic attraction between the particles and the electrostatic charges in the image areas. On the other hand, the partciles do not adhere to the unchanged non-image areas.

Means are also provided to fix the visible images produced by the developer 36, so that permanent facsimile images will be produced on the web 22. In the illustrated machine, such means take the form of a drier 48 for directing heated air upon the web 22 as it travels between the developer roller 38 and the drive roller 40. The heated air causes rapid evaporation of the volatile liquid. The developer composition may include a resinous plastic binder material to insure that the finely divided solid material will adhere firmly to the web after the volatile liquid has evaporated. In some cases, it may not be necessary to employ a forced drying system, particularly when the liquid employed in the developer composition is extremely volatile and when the path of the web between the rollers 33 and 40 is sufficiently long to insure that the web will dry by natural air evaporation.

From the nip rollers 40 and 42, the web travels upwardly at an inclined angle to a cutting or severing device 50, adapted to sever individual copy sheets from the leading end of the web. The cutting device may comprise a movable knife 52 and a stationary bed knife 54. As will be described shortly, means are preferably provided for operating the knife 52 at extremely high speed so that sheets may be severed from the web without stopping or showing down the advancing movement of the web.

A delivery conveyor 56 may be provided to carry the printed copy sheets from the severing device 50 to a re ceiving tray 53. In this case, the conveyor 56 comprises a series of endless parallel tapes or belts59 which are threaded around pulleys or rollers 60, 62, 64 and 66. Each of the tapes 59 extends in a substantially horizontal flight 68 between the rollers and 62, and then extends downwardly along an inclined flight '70 to the pulley 64. The tapes 59 then return to the roller 60 by way of the roller 66.

The leading end of the web 22 is received by the conveyor 56 at the pulley 60. A series of rollers 72 may be provided to press the web against the upper flight 68 of the tapes 59. One of the rollers 72 may be positioned above the roller 60. The sheet at the leading end of the web is not severed from the web until after the leading end of the web passes onto the conveyor 56 and under the first roller 72. Thus, the sheet is under the full control of the conveyor before it is severed from the web.

The delivery conveyor 56 is preferably driven continu' ously so that any sheet or sheets on the conveyor will be delivered to the receiving tray 58 even after the main drive roller 40 has been stopped. To operate the conveyor 56, the roller 64 may be driven continuously. The roller 60 may also be driven if desired.

To propel the sheets into the receiving tray 58, a pressure roller 74 is preferably positioned so as to engage the tapes 59 above the roller 64. It will be seen that the tray 58 is positioned just below and beyond the rollers 64 and 74.

Various additional details of the facsimile printer 20 will be seen in FIG. 2. Thus, a curved guide plate extends part way around the S-lock roller 26, but spaced outwardly therefrom, to assist in threading the paper web 22 around the roller 26. For similar reasons, a pair of generally horizontal guide plates 82 and 84 extend between the upper portions of the S-lock rollers 30 and 32 so as to carry the web between these rollers.

A comblike pressure member 86 may be provided to press the web 22 against the electronic printing tube 34. The pressure member 86 also serves as a grounding electrode. As shown to best advantage in FIG. 16, the pres sure member 86 may be formed with a plurality of closely spaced parallel spring fingers 88. As shown in FIG. 2, the pressure member 86 may be mounted on a supporting frame 90 which is swingably mounted on pivots 92. A spring 94 is connected to the frame 90 so as to bias the pressure member 36 toward the electronic printing tube 34.

The illustrated drier 48 comprises a housing 93 through which the web 22 travels as it passes between the rollers 38 and 40. The web 22 enters the housing 98 through a slot 101) and passes out of the housing through a slot or opening 102, opposite the roller 40.

The housing 98 has an inlet pipe or stub 104 through which air may be blown into the housing 98. The inlet pipe 104 is connected to the lower portion of the housing 98. At its upper end, the housing 98 has an outlet opening 106 through which the air, laden with solvent vapors, may escape from the housing. The outlet opening 106 may be connected to any suitable exhaust connection.

The drier 48 may comprise a motor driven blower 108 which may be connected to the inlet pipe 104 of the housing 98 through a heater section 110 which is adapted to heat the air as it passes from the blower 108 into the housing 98. The blower 108 takes in atmospheric air and forces it into the housing 98.

In the illustrated construction, a pair of spaced guide plates 114 and 116 extend between the main drive roller 40 and the cutting device 50. Similarly, a pair of spaced guide plates 118 and 120 extend between the cutting device 50 and the first roller 60 of the delivery conveyor 56.

For convenience in threading the web around the roller 40, the pressure roller 42 may be rotatably mounted on a frame 124 which is swingable about pivots 126 so that the roller 42 may be swung upwardly away from the roller 40, to the retracted position shown in broken lines in FIG. 2. A spring catch or detent 128 may be provided to hold the roller 42 and the frame 124 in their retracted positions. During normal operation, the roller 42 presses the web 22 against the roller 40. As shown to advantage in FIGS. 5, 6 and 16, the rollers 40, 42 and 60 may be of sectional construction.

Various additional features of the developing mechanism 36 are shown to advantage in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. In the illustrated construction, the liquid developer composition is supplied to the trough 46 through an inlet pipe or stub 132 connected to the bottom of the trough adjacent the central portion thereof. A pair of outlet pipes 134 and 136 are connected to the bottom of the trough 46 adjacent the ends thereof. It is preferred to circulate the liquid developer composition continuously through the trough 46 by means of a pump 138, adapted to deliver the liquid developer composition to the inlet pipe 132 through a hose 140 or other conduit. The outlet pipcs 134 and 136 are connected to hoses 142 and 144 which extend to a tank or other reservoir 146, from which the pump 138 withdraws the liquid developer composition. The continuous circulation of the liquid developer composition insures that the finely divided toner or pigment particles will be maintained in suspension in the liquid vehicle.

To control the application of the liquid developer composition tothe roller 44, the trough 46 is preferably provided with a pair of overflow partitions or ballles which are located between the centrally disposed inlet pipe 132 and the outlet pipes 134 and 136 at the ends of the trough 46. Each baffle 150 extends transversely across the trough 46 and part way up the applicator roller 44. It will be seen that each battle 150 has a curved upper edge 152 which is separated from the roller 44 by a narrow space 154. Thus, the liquid developer composition passes from the central portion of the trough 46 through the narrow spaces 154 to the end portions of the trough and thence to the outlet pipes 134 and 136. The baffles 150 insure that the liquid developer will rise to a sufiicient elevation in the trough 46 to bring about a thorough application of the liquid developer to the roller 44.

As shown to advantage in FIG. 4, each of the illustrated overflow baffles 150 is formed with a small opening 156 through its lower portion, adjacent the bottom of the trough 46. Some of the liquid developer passes through the openings 156 in the bafiles 150 so that any toner particles which may settle to the bottom of the trough 46 will be washed away by the circulation of the liquid developer.

During normal operation, the applicator roller 44 is pressed against the web 22 as it passes around the roller 38. However, provision is made for separating the applicator roller 44 from the web 22 so that the roller 44 may be disengaged from the web when the forward movement of the web is stopped, as, for example, at the end of a period of facsimile transmission.

Thus, the roller 44 and the trough 46 are preferably mounted on a movable frame or carriage 160. In this case, the frame 160 is swingable about pivots 162. The frame 160 has side members 164 and 166 which are mounted on the pivots 162. A main cross member 168 is rigidly secured to the side members .164 and 166.

The illustrated trough 46 is rockably mounted on the frame 160 to provide for equalization of the pressure between the roller 44 and the roller 38. Thus, the trough 46 is formed with a pair of diametrically opposite pivots or trunions 170 which are located on the central portion of the trough. The trunions 170 are supported by a pair of bearings 172 which project upwardly from the main cross member 168 of the frame 160.

The swingable frame 160 for the developer 36 normally is biased upwardly by a spring link 176 so that the roller 44 will be pressed against the web 22 as it passes beneath the roller 38. A pivot 178 is provided to connect the upper end of the spring link 176 to a stationary member 180. The illustrated link 176 has a main member 182 and an inner member 184 which is slidably extensible and retractable relative to the main member 182. A retracting spring 186 is connected between the members 182 and 184. The inner member 184 has a threaded portion 188 which is fitted with an adjusting nut 190. As shown to advantage in FIG. 2, the nut 190 normally engages the underside of a forked plate or lug 192 which is secured to the swingable frame 160. The member 184 is normally received in a slot or opening 194 which is formed in the forked lug 102. By rotating the nut 190, the upward force exerted by the spring 186 on the swingable frame 160 may be adjusted. When it is desired to swing the frame 160 downwardly for inspection, cleaning or maintenance, the spring link 176 may be swung in a counterclockwise direction so as to disengage the member 134 and the nut 190 from the forked lug 192.

A mechanism 200 may be provided to separate the roller 44 from the roller 38 when the web 22 is not being advanced. In this case, the mechanism 200 is effective to swing the frame 160 downwardly against the biasing action of the spring 186. The illustrated mechanism 200 comprises an eccentric cam 202 which is secured to a rotatable shaft 204. In this case, the shaft 204 is mounted on the side member 166 of the frame 160. The eccentric cam 202 engages a follower in the form of a roller 206 which is rotatably mounted on a stationary shaft 208. By rotating the cam 202 through one-half revolution, the frame 160 may be swung downwardly so as to separate the applicator roller 44 from the roller 38. Another half revolution of the cam 202 permits the frame 160 to swing upwardly, due to the biasing action of the spring 186, so that the roller 44 will be pressed against the web 22 as it passes under the roller 38.

A second cam 212 is preferably secured to the shaft 204 and is rotatable with the eccentric cam 202. As illustrated, the cam 212 has a raised lobe or sector 214 and a depressed sector 216. Each of the cam sectors 214 and 216 extends through approximately one-half revolu tion. The cam 212 is adapted to operate a selector switch 218 which indicates the position of the eccentric cam 202. Thus, the switch 218 is in one position when the roller 44 is pressed against the web 22, and is in the other position when the roller 44 is separated from the web.

The drive for the cam shaft 204 is illustrated to best advantage in FIG. 8. An electric motor 222 may furnish the motive power to drive the printing machine 20. The motor 222 may be operated continuously. The illustrated motor 222 has an output shaft 224 which is fitted with a pair of sprockets 226. A chain 228 is connected between one of the sprockets 226 and a sprocket 230 which is employed to drive the main web-advancing roller 40. The chain 228 passes around two intermediate sprockets 232 and 234. The sprocket 232 is coaxial with the pivots 162 which support the swingable frame 160. The sprocket 234 is merely an idler.

The sprocket 232 is relatively small and is secured to a larger sprocket 236. Another chain 238 is connected between the large sprocket 236 and a sprocket 240 which is employed to drive the applicator roller 44. The sprocket 240 is geared to a rotatable shaft 242. The roller 44 is supported by a shaft 244 which is connected to the sprocket shaft 242 by a flexible coupler 246.

The chain 238 also passes around two intermediate sprockets 248 and 250. The sprocket 248 is merely an idler which is mounted on the swingable frame The sprocket 250 is employed to drive the cam shaft 204 to which the cams 202 and 212 are secured.

The rotation of the cams 202 and 212 is preferably controlled by a clutch 254 which is connected between the sprocket 250 and the cam 202. The clutch 254 may be of the Well known type having a rotatable control member 256 which is stopped to disengage the clutch and is released to engage the clutch. As shown, the control member 256 is fitted with a pair of stop pins or lugs 258 at diametrically opposite points. The pins 258 are adapted to be stopped and released by -a stop lever 260 which is operated by a solenoid 262, or some other source of motive power. Normally, the lever 260 is in the path of the pins 258 so that the control member 256 is stopped. When the solenoid 262 is energized, the stop lever 260 is swung out of the path of the pins 258, so that the control member 256 is permitted to rotate. Under this condition, a drive is established between the sprocket 250 and the cams 202 and 212. Normally, the solenoid 262 is energized only momentarily, so that the lever 260 stops the next [pin 258 after the cams 202 and 212 have rotated through one-half revolution. Thus, the solenoid 262 may be energized momentarily so as to throw in the roller 44 at the beginning of a period of transmission. The solenoid may again be energized momentarily at the end of the period of transmission to separate the roller 44 from the roller 38.

It has already been indicated that the sprocket 230 is employed to drive the main drive roller 40. As shown to advantage in FIGS. 8, 9, 10 and 11, a clutch 270 is preferably connected between the sprocket 230 and the shaft 272 which supports the roller 40. The clutch 270 may be of the well known type having a rotatable control member 274 which is adapted to be stopped and released to control the clutch 270. When the control member 274 is stopped, the clutch is disengaged and the roller 40 is stationary. When the control member 274 is released, the roller 40 is driven along with sprocket 230 and the control member.

In this case, the control member 274 is fitted with a ratchet wheel 276 having a plurality of ratchet teeth 2 which serve as stop elements. Pawl means 280 are provided to engage the ratchet teeth 278 so as to stop the control member 274. The pawl means 230 are controlled by a solenoid 282 or some other source of motive power. In the illustrated arrangement, the energization of the solenoid 28-2 disengages the pawl means 280 from the ratchet Wheel 276 so as to cause the roller 40 to be driven.

For the sake of fine control, the illustrated pawl means 289 comprise a pair of adjacent pawls 284 and 286. It will be seen that the pawls 284 and 286 are staggered with respect to each other by an amount corresponding to one-half of the pitch of the ratchet teeth 278. In the illustrated construction, the pawl 286 is longer than the pawl 284. The pawls 234 and 286 may be loosely mounted on a pivot 288 which also supports a lever 290 connected to the solenoid 282. A connection 292 is provided between the lever 290 and the pawls 284 and 236 so as to allow the pawls a small amount of swinging movement relative to the lever 29%. Thus, the lever 29% has an arm 294 which is formed with a yoke or fork 296. It will be seen that the yoke 296 has a lower flange 293 which is adapted to engage and lift both of the pawls 284 and 286 away from the ratchet wheel 276 when the solenoid 282 is energized. The energization of the solenoid 282 swings the lever 290 in a clockwise direction. The yoke 296 also has an upper flange 3% which is spaced from the pawls 284 and 286. A spring 302 is mounted on the upper flange 390 to bias the pawls 284 and 286 against the ratchet wheel 276. It will be seen from FIGS. 9 and 10 that the spring 302 comprises a pair of spring fingers 304 and 306 which engage the pawls 284 and 286, respectively.

When the solenoid 232 is deenergized, the lever 29% is moved in a counterclockwise direction by a return spring 308. The spring fingers 304 and 336 push the pawls 284 and 286 against the ratchet wheel 276. One of the pawls 284 and 286 catches on one of the teeth 278 on the ratchet wheel 276 so as to stop the control member 274 of the clutch. The roller 4t} is thereby stopped. The provision of two staggered pawls 284 and. 286 limits the overrunning movement of the ratchet wheel 276 to not more than one-half of the pitch of the ratchet teeth. The solenoid 282 is energized during periods of transmission so that the facsimile printer 20 will reproduce any facsimile signals received from the transmitting station. When there are no facsimile signals to be reproduced, the solenoid 282 may be dcenergized so as to stop the advancing movement of the web.

It has already been indicated that the movable knife 52 of the cutter unit 50 is operated with such extreme rapidity that the web may be severed without stoppmg or slowing down the advancing movement of the web. As shown to advantage in FIGS. '2 and 7, the motive power for operating the cutter 56 may be supplied by a solenoid 314 having a vertically movable plunger 316 which is fitted with a return spring 313 for biasing the plunger upwardly. A forked link 320 is secured to the upper end of the plunger 318. Thus, the link 320 1s formed with a pair of spaced parallel link members 322. In the illustrated construction, a pawl 324 is movably mounted between the members 322. The pawl 324 is swingable about a pivot 326 which extends through the link members 322. A leaf spring 328 may be mounted on the link member 320 to bias the pawl 324 in a clockwise direction.

At its upper end, the pawl 324 is formed with a hook or tooth 330 which is adapted to hook over a pin 332 extending through slots 334 in the members 322. Thus, the pin 332 is adapted to slide along the slots 334.

To operate the cutter 50, the pin 332 extends through and is connected to a pair of spaced lever arms 336 secured to a shaft 338. As shown to advantage in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the shaft 338 also carries a pair of knife actuating arms 340 which engage the upper portion of the movable cutting knife 52. Return springs 342 (FIG. 2) are provided to bias the movable cutting knife 52 upwardly, out of engagement with the fixed bed knife 54.

When the solenoid 314 is energized, the plunger 316, the link 320, and the pawl 324 are pulled downwardly. The hook 330 on the pawl 324 engages the pin 332 and pulls it downwardly so that the arms 336 are swung downwardly. Such movement of the arms causes clockwise rotation of the shaft 338 and the arms 340. Thus, the arms 344i push the movable cutting knife 52 downwardly into shearing relation with the stationary bed knife 54. Accordingly, the web 22 is severed.

To bring about quick return of the movable cutting knife 52, the pawl 324 is tripped out of engagement with the pin 332. Thus, the illustrated pawl 324 is provided with a laterally projecting arm or tripping lever 346 which is adapted to engage a stationary abutment or stop in the form of a pin 343. The tripping arm 346 engages the pin 348 during the downward stroke of the solenoid plunger 316 so that the pawl 324 is swung away from the pin 332 just after the web is severed. The disengagement of the pawl 324 from the pin 332 releases the movable knife 52 and the arms 336 and 340 for upward return movement under the impetus furnished by the biasing springs 342. The cutting knife 52 is returned upwardly with extreme rapidity after severing the web, so that the knife does not impede the forward movement of the web to any substantial extent. The web may buckle slightly as it strikes the movable knife 52, but the knife 52 is returned so quickly, out of the path of the web, that the forward movement of the web may continue without any danger of jamming or damage to the leading end of the web. When the solenoid 314 is deenergized, the pawl 324 again hooks onto the pin 332.

In the normal operation of the printing machine 20, cutoff signals are received at various times from the facsimile transmitting station. Normally, the facsimilie transmitter sends out a cutoff signal at the end of each sheet which is transmitted. In the facsimilie printer 26, the operation of the severing device is preferably delayed by an amount corresponding to the time required for the web 22 to travel from the facsimilie printing tube 34 to the cutoff knife 52. This arrangement insures that the entire reproduced copy of the transmitted document will pass the cutoff knife 52 before the knife is operated to sever the copy from the web. FIGS. 8 and l2-L5 illustrate details of a timing or memory device 350 whereby the operation of the cutoff device 50 is controlled. The illustrated memory device 356 comprises a pair of cam operated timers 352 and 354. Both of the timers 352 and 354 are operated by a gear 356 which is continuously driven. Thus, the gear 356 meshes with a smaller gear or pinion 358. A larger gear 360 is secured to the gear 353 and is rotatable therewith. The gear 360 meshes with the gear 362 which is secured to the sprocket 230 so as to rotate therewith. It will be recalled that the sprocket 230 is continuously rotated by the chain 228.

Each of the illustrated timers 352 and 354 comprises two cams 364 and 366 which are secured together for simultaneous rotation. In addition, the first timer 352 comprises a third cam 368.

Each timer 352 and 354 comprises a slip clutch 363' whereby torque is continuously applied to the cams 366 and 364 by the gear 356. In each case, the slip clutch 368 comprises a clutch plate 370 which is secured to the gear 356 and is rotatable therewith. Each plate 370 has an annular friction facing or lining 372 which is slidably engaged with the corresponding cam 366.

As shown to advantage in FIG. 14, the gear 356 and the cams 364, 366 and 368 are rotatably mounted on a stationary pin or shaft 376 which is supported by one of the main frame plates 378 of the machine. The cams 364 and 366 of the timer 352 are mounted on the shaft 376 against an inner stop collar 380. Next, the gear 356 is positioned on the shaft 376 with the clutch lining 372 engaging the cam 366. The cams 364 and 366 of the second timer 354 are mounted on the shaft 376 on the other side of the gear 356. A thrust collar 382 is pressed against the cams 364 and 366 of the second timer 354 by a spring 384 which is compressed between the thrust collar 382 'and a collar 386. It will be seen that the collar 386 is adjustably mounted on a threaded stud 388 projecting axially from the outer end of the shaft 376. An adjusting nut 390 retains the collar 386 on the stud 388.

The force of the spring 384 creates pressure between each clutch facing 372 and the corresponding cam 366 so that the rotation of the gear 356 produces torque tending to rotate the cams 364 and 366.

Each of the illustrated timers 352 and 354 comprises a control lever 394 which is swingable about a pivot 396. Each lever 394 has a downwardly extending arm 398 which serves as a pawl to engage the cam 364. A hook or tooth 400 is formed on the lower end of each arm 398 and is adapted to be received in a notch 402 formed in the cam 364. In each case, the notch 402 forms a substantially radial shoulder or wall 404 which is engageable with the tooth 406 so that the tooth will prevent rotation of the cam 364. Thus, the cam 364 is held against rotation as long as the tooth 400 engages the shoulder 464.

In this case, each of the timers 352 and 354 comprises a solenoid 4% which may be energized to swing the pawl 398 away from the cam 364. Each solenoid 466 has a plunger 408 which is fitted with a return spring 418 for biasing the plunger 468 to the left, as shown in FIG. 12. Each control lever 394 has an arm 412 which is connected to the plunger 408 of the corresponding solenoid 406 by a pivot pin 414. A longitudinal slot 416 may be formed in each arm 412 to receive the corresponding pin 414.

Momentary energization of the solenoid 406 swings the pawl 398 away from the cam 364. In this way, the cam is released for rotation. After a single revolution of the cam 364, the tooth 496 of the pawl 398 enters the notch 402 and engages the shoulder 404 so as to stop the cam 364.

In this case, each of the timers 352 and 354 is provided with a switch 420 which is adapted to be operated by the corresponding cam 366 when it is caused to rotate through a single revolution in response to momentary energization of the solenoid 406. It will be seen that the switch 420 has an operating lever 422 which engages the cam 366. Each of the illustrated cams 366 is formed with a single notch 424 adapted to receive the switch lever 422 at one point during the rotation of the cam 366. When the cams 364 and 366 are in their initial position, as shown in FIG. 12, the switch lever 422 engages the cam 366 at a point which is spaced a considerable distance around the periphery of the cam 366 from the notch 424. Thus, the cam 366 must rot-ate through a consider-able angle before the lever 422 engages the notch 424. As shown in FIG. 12, the lever 422 engages the notch 424 near the end of the single rotation of the cam 366. The switch 420 may be provided with an adjustable mounting bracket 426 so that the exact position of the switch lever 422 around the cam 366 may be adjusted.

As will be explained in greater detail shortly, an incoming cutoff signal may be routed to the solenoid 466 so as to cause momentary energization of the solenoid. The resulting disengagement of the pawl 398 from the cam 364 causes the cams 364 and 366 to rotate through one revolution. The switch 420 is employed to energize the power solenoid 314 for the cutofi device 50. Thus, the cutoff device is actuated at a time which is delayed from the time at which the incoming cutoff signal is received.

It has already been noted that two timers 352 and 354 are provided. This arrangement enables the printer to handle a succession of cutoif signals which are spaced more closely in time than the time delay provided by each timer. Thus, the first incoming cutoff signal may be routed to the solenoid 406 of the first timer 352. If another cutoff signal is received before the first timer 352 has completed its timing cycle, the second cutoff signal is routed to the solenoid 406 of the second timer 354. Thus, the memory unit 350 has a capacity of two cutoff signals. If necessary or desirable, additional timers could be provided to afford a greater capacity.

Means are provided to route the incoming cutoff signals to the second timer 354 when the first timer 352 is in use. As shown in FIG. 12, such means comprise a selector switch 430 having an operating lever 432 which engages the third cam 368. It will be seen that the third cam 368 has a high portion 434 and a low portion 436. In the initial position of the cams 364, 366 and 368, the switch lever 432 engages the high portion 434 of the cam 368. However, immediately after the cams 364, 366 and 368 start rotating, the switch lever 432 drops onto the low portion 436 of the cam 368. In this way, any additional incoming cutoff signal is routed to the second timer 354.

The printing machine also comprises means for preventing the web 22 from being stopped until at least one of the timers 352 and 354 has completed or timed out any cycle which may have been initiated at the time that the stopping signal is received from the transmitting station. Such additional control means may comprise a switch 442 having an operating lever 444. A cross bar or paddle 446 is mounted on the lever 444 and is engageable by the pins 414 on the plungers 488 of both solenoids 406. The switch 442 must be operated by at least one of the pins 414 before a stopping signal can be routed to the clutch 270 which controls the advancing movement of the web 22.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the electrical control system for handling the start signals, the stop signals and the cutoff signals. The start and stop signals are received by input circuits 469 and 462. Similarly, an input circuit 464 is provided for the cutoff signals.

The start input circuit 469 is connected to a control relay 466 which controls the main drive clutch solenoid 282 so that the solenoid is energized in response to the start signal. The stop signal input 462 is connected to the clutch control relay 466 through the control switch 442 so that the stop signal is not fed to the clutch control relay 466 until the switch 442 is actuated. In response to the stop signal, the relay 466 deenergizes the clutch control solenoid 282.

As already indicated, the start and stop signals are also employed to control the developer solenoid 262. Thus, the start and stop input circuits 460 and 462 are connected to a developer control relay 470 through the developer position indicating switch 218. The developer relay 470 momentarily energizes the developer solenoid 262 in response to each start signal and also in response to each stop signal. When the start signal is received, the energization of the developer solenoid 262 causes the eccentric cam 202 to rotate through one-half revolution so as to move the applicator roller 44 into engagement with the web 22. If the applicator roller 44 is already in engagement with the web when the start signal is received, the position switch 218 prevents the start signal from being applied to the developer relay 470. Thus, the developer position switch 218 prevents the developer mechanism from getting out of phase with the start and stop signals.

When the stop signal is received, the energization of the developer solenoid 262 causes the eccentric cam 202 to rotate through another half revolution so as to disengage the applicator roller 44 from the web 22. If the applicator roller is already disengaged from the web 1 1 when the stop signal is received, the position switch 218 prevents the developer solenoid 262 from being energized. The cutoff signal input 464 is connected to the selector switch 430 which routes the cutoff signal to the solenoids 496a and 286b of the timers 352 and 354. Initially, the cutoff signal input is connected by the switch 430 to the solenoid 406:: of the timer 352. If the timer 352 is in operation, the switch 43% is shifted so as to route any additional cutoff signal to the solenoid 4061; of the timer 354.

During the cycle of the timer 352, the cutoff switch 426a of the timer 352 is momentarily actuated, so as to produce momentary energization of the power solenoid 314 for the cutoff device 50. If the timer 354 is actuated, the cutoff switch 42% is operated so as to energize the cutoff solenoid 314.

It will be recognized that the facsimile printer is fully automatic in operation. When the printing operation is started, the developer is automatically shifted into operative engagement with the Web. When the Web is stopped, the developer is automatically shifted away from the web.

After a cutoff signal is received, the actual operation of the cutoff device is delayed to allow for the time required for the web to travel between the printing tube and the cutoff device. The cutoff device operates with extreme rapidity so that it is not necessary to stop or slow down the web when the web is severed by the cutoff device.

Various other modifications, alternative constructions and equivalents may be employed without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, as exemplified in the foregoing description and defined in the following claims.

We claim: 1. In a facsimile printer, the combination comprising supply means for supplying a web of sheet material,

facsimile reproducing means for receiving the web from said supply means and producing an electrostatic facsimile image on the web,

guide means for receiving the web from said facsimile reproducing means,

drive means for receiving the web from said guide means,

control means for selectively driving and stopping said drive means to advance and stop the web,

an applicator roller engageable with the web opposite said guide means for applying a developer composition to the web,

means for continuously supplying the developer composition to said applicator roller, means for continuously rotating said applicator roller, and means coupled to said control means for rectracting said continuously rotating applicator roller from the web when said drive means is stopped while advancing said applicator roller into engagement with the web when said drive means is being driven. 2. in a facsimile printer, the combination comprising supply means for supplying a web of sheet material,

facsimile reproducing means for receiving the web from said supply means and producing an electrostatic facsimile image on the web,

guide means for receiving the web from said facsimile reproducing means,

drive means for receiving the web from said guide means,

control means for selectively driving and stopping said drive means to advance and stop the Web,

an applicator roller engageable with the web opposite said guide means for applying a developer composition to the web,

means for continuously supplying the developer composition to said applicator roller,

means for continuously rotating said applicator roller,

movable carriage supporting said applicator roller,

a rotatable cam for moving said carriage between an advanced position in which said applicator roller engages the web and a retracted position in which said applicator roller is disengaged from the web,

and means coupled to said control means for moving said carriage to its retracted position when said drive means is stopped While moving said carriage to its advanced position when said drive means is being driven.

3. In a facsimile printer,

the combination comprising supply means for supplying a web of sheet material,

facsimile reproducing means for receiving the web from said supply means and producing an electrostatic facsimile image on the web,

a guide roller for receiving the web from said facsimile reproducing means,

drive means for receiving the web from said guide roller,

control means for selectively driving and stopping said drive means to advance and stop the web,

an applicator roller engageable with the web opposite said guide roller for supplying a developer composition to the web,

means for continuously supplying the developer composition to said applicator roller,

means for continuously rotating said applicator roller,

and means coupled to said control means for retracting said continuously rotating applicator roller from the web when said drive means is stopped vhile advancing said applicator roller into engagement with the web when said drive means is being driven.

4. In a facsimile printer,

the combination comprising supply means for supplying a web of sheet material,

facsimile reproducing means for receiving the web from said supply means and producing an electrostatic facsimile image on the web,

guide means for receiving the web from said facsimile reproducing means,

drive means for receiving the web from said guide means,

control means for selectively driving and stopping said drive means to advance and stop the web,

an applicator roller engageable with the web opposite said guide means for applying a liquid developer composition to the web,

a trough beneath said applicator roller for holding a supply of the liquid developer composition to immerse the lower portion of said applicator roller therein and thereby continuously supply the liquid developer composition to said applicator roller,

means for continuously rotating said applicator roller,

and means coupled to said control means for retracting said continuously rotating applicator roller from the web when said drive means is stopped while advancing said applicator roller into engagement with the web when said drive means is being driven.

5. In a facsimile printer,

the combination comprising supply means for supplying a web of sheet material,

facsimile reproducing means for receiving the web from said supply means and producing an electrostatic facsimile image on the web,

a guide roller for receiving the web from said facsimile reproducing means,

drive means for receiving the web from said guide roller,

control means for selectively driving and stopping said drive means to advance and stop the web,

an applicator roller engageable with the web opposite said guide roller for applying a liquid developer composition to the web,

a trough beneath said applicator roller for holding a supply of the liquid developer composition and thereby continuously supplying the liquid developer composition to said applicator roller,

means for continuously rotating said applicator roller,

and means coupled to said control means for retracting said continuously rotating applicator roller from the web when said drive means is stopped while advancing said applicator roller into engagement with the web when said drive means is being driven.

6. In a facsimile printer,

the combination comprising supply means for supplying a web of sheet material,

facsimile reproducing means for receiving the web from said supply means and producing an electrostatic facsimile image on the web,

a guide roller for receiving the web from said facsimile reproducing means,

drive means for receiving the web from said guide roller,

control means for selectively driving and stopping said drive means to advance and stop the web,

an applicator roller engageable with the web opposite said guide roller for applying a liquid developer composition to the web,

a trough beneath said applicator roller for holding a supply of the liquid developer composition and thereby continuously supplying the liqnid developer composition to said applicator roller,

means for continuously rotating said applicator roller,

a movable carriage for supporting said applicator roller,

a rotatable cam for moving said carriage between an advanced position in which said applicator roller engages the web and a retracted position in which said applicator roller is disengaged from the web,

and means coupled to said control means for moving said carriage to its retracted position when said drive means is stopped while moving said carriage to its advanced position when said drive means is being driven.

7. In a facsimile printer,

the combination comprising supply means for supplying a web of sheet material,

facsimile reproducing means for receiving the web and producing facsimile images on the web,

a drive roller for receiving the web from said facsimile reproducing means,

means for pressing the web against said drive roller,

and a severing device for receiving the web from said drive roller and severing individual sheets from the web,

said severing device comprising a movable cutter for severing the web,

lever means for actuating the movable cutter in a direction to sever the web,

spring means for biasing the cutter for return movement in the opposite direction,

said lever means comprising an arm,

a pawl adjacent said arm,

an element on said arm and engageable by said pawl,

a link connected to and supporting said pawl,

power means for translating said link in a direction to actuate said cutter,

a trip element on said pawl,

and a stop engageable by said trip element after a predetermined movement of said pawl for releasing said pawl from said element on said arm and there by freeing said movable cutter for rapid return movement by said spring means.

8. In a web severing device,

the combination comprising a stationary cutting member,

a movable cutting member movable into and out of cutting relationship with said stationary cutting member,

spring means biasing said movable cutting member out of cutting relation to said stationary cutting member,

lever means having first arm means for actuating said movable cutting member,

said lever means having second arm means,

a pin connected to said second arm means,

a movable actuating member,

a pawl pivotally mounted on said movable actuating member and eniageable with said pin,

power means for moving said movable actuating member to actuate said movable cutting member,

a trip arm on said pawl,

and a stop engageable by said trip arm after predetermined movement of said movable actuating member for releasing said pawl from said pin to release said movable cutting member for rapid return movement by said spring means.

9. In a web severing device,

the combination comprising a movable cutter for severing the web,

actuating means for actuating the movable cutter in a direction to sever the web,

spring means for biasing the cutter for return movemeant in the opposite direction,

said actuating means comprising a movable member,

a pawl adjacent said member,

an element on said member and engageable by said pawl,

a link connected to and supporting said pawl,

power means for translating said link in a direction to actuate said cutter,

a trip element on said pawl,

and a stop engageable by said trip element after a predetermined movement of said pawl for releasing said pawl from said element on said member and thereby freeing said movable cutter for rapid return movement by said spring means.

10. In a web severing device,

the combination comprising a stationary cutting member,

a movable cutting member movable into and out of cutting relationship with said stationary cutting member,

spring means biasing said movable cutting member out of cutting relation to said stationary cutting member,

lever means having first arm means for actuating said movable cutting member,

said lever means having second arm means,

a pin connected to said second arm means,

a movable actuating member,

a pawl pivotally mounted on said movable actuating member and engageable with said pin,

a solenoid for moving said movable actuating member to actuate said movable cutting member,

a trip arm on said pawl,

and a stop engageable by said trip arm after predetermined movement of said movable actuating member for releasing said pawl from said pin to release said movable cutting member for rapid return movement by said spring means.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS CHARLES A. WILLMUTH, Primary Examiner.

WILLIAM D. MARTIN, Examiner. 

1. IN A FACSIMILE PRINTER, THE COMBINATION COMPRISING SUPPLY MEANS FOR SUPPLYING A WEB OF SHEET MATERIAL, FACSIMILE REPRODUCING MEANS FOR RECEIVING THE WEB FROM SAID SUPPLY MEANS AND PRODUCING AN ELECTROSTATIC FACSIMILE IMAGE ON THE WEB, GUIDE MEANS FOR RECEIVING THE WEB FROM SAID FACSIMILE REPRODUCING MEANS, DRIVE MEANS FOR RECEIVING THE WEB FROM SAID GUIDE MEANS, CONTROL MEANS FOR SELECTIVELY DRIVING AND STOPPING SAID DRIVE MEANS TO ADVANCE AND STOP THE WEB, AN APPLICATOR ROLLER ENGAGEABLE WITH THE WEB OPPOSITE SAID GUIDE MEANS FOR APPLYING A DEVELOPER COMPOSITION TO THE WEB, MEANS FOR CONTINUOUSLY SUPPLYING THE DEVELOPER COMPOSITION TO SAID APPLICATOR ROLLER, MEANS FOR CONTINUOUSLY ROTATING SAID APPLICATOR ROLLER, AND MEANS COUPLED TO SAID CONTROL MEANS FOR RECTRACTING SAID CONTINUOUSLY ROTATING APPLICATOR ROLLER FROM THE WEB WHEN SAID DRIVE MEANS IS STOPPED WHILE ADVANCING SAID APPLICATOR ROLLER INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH THE WEB WHEN SAID DRIVE MEANS IS BEING DRIVEN. 